University staff updated about structural changes

On Wednesday 28 October, University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, provided all University staff with a Discussion Paper mapping the process for organisational change and restructuring across the institution.

In his update, Professor Zelinsky cited economic as well as strategic forces driving the proposed changes.

Below is the full update he provided to University staff members, following numerous updates at virtual question and answer sessions, email updates and smaller group sessions led at Faculty and School level.

The purpose of the discussion paper is to keep staff informed of the processes and timelines for reviewing and restructuring the institution’s Faculties, Schools and Divisions. The discussion paper is a precursor to further formal consultation opportunities, which will be staged throughout the project and that have been outlined to staff in the Vice-Chancellor's message.

Colleagues,

Earlier this year, I announced that we are consolidating our five Faculties into three Colleges and signalled that we will also review our Schools and Divisions. I am pleased to now share with you the Organisational Restructure Discussion Paper.  

You may ask ‘Why do we need to change?’ Let me explain.

Like most universities across Australia and around the world, the University of Newcastle has experienced financial pressures created by funding reforms and other Government policy changes. For several years, our University has been contending with the imbalance of a faster rate of growth in our expenses, outstripping our revenue growth from our teaching and research operations. The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic this year has compounded these existing pressures and accelerated our need to act.  

In March 2020, we released our Looking Ahead Strategic Plan – a roadmap we built together as an organisation and in consultation with our communities. The Strategic Plan cements our values, builds on our strengths, and will deliver a future that our students, staff and communities can be proud of. The disruptive events of 2020 have shifted some of the milestones within the Strategic Plan – requiring us to reprioritise our activities. However, it has also reinforced our vision for the future. Our commitment to shared values; excellence, equity, engagement, and sustainability, is unwavering.

Changes to our structure will help us build a responsive, and sustainable University that can deliver our Strategic Plan and address our financial challenges. Our restructure is focused on improving our services, enhancing the student and staff experience, easing financial pressures, and achieving long-term financial sustainability.  

This change process is an opportunity for us to design the operating structures and models that will position us for long-term success. We are committed to taking a considered, strategic approach.  

Once you have read the Discussion Paper, we welcome questions and feedback, sent to the changeteam@newcastle.edu.au positional account. You can contact me if there is something you wish to discuss with me directly. Consultation for each element of the Organisational Restructure process is outlined in the following table:

I know there is a lot going on across our nation, higher education, in our University and in your lives outside work. It has been a challenging year for everyone. Change is hard and I know it creates uncertainty. Be assured we will continue to keep you updated on this change program. This is a personal priority for me.  

Best wishes,

Alex

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: media@newcastle.edu.au